6 December 2011

Clothes Show Live 2011

On Friday 2nd December, some of the girls on my course and i attended Clothes Show Live 2011 at the Birmingham NEC. Described at the largest fashion and beauty event in the UK, The Clothes Show is a large shopping event holding hundreds of stalls with hundreds of brands. There are also fashion and beauty events going on throughout the day, and celeb Q&As if you're interested. A few of us had been before, but some hadn't, and maybe it was best to not expect anything.

The Clothes Show has always sold a fair bit of low quality goods, but this year that seemed to have taken over a lot of the shopping zones. There was little in between low end and high end at the show this year, meaning there wasn't much choice of shopping. However, this year saw a large take over from the Vintage retailers, more so than before. This may be clinging on to their idea of trying to do things for yourself, as for the first time they've included a "Sknitch" section promoting the idea of shopping second hand and making things for yourself. However, this zone was a little half hearted; i was expecting demonstrations and money saving ideas, but it just seemed to be people trying to sell their wears.


The feel of the show this year felt very young, as though it's a lot more aimed at younger girls, or mum's and daughters, which isn't exactly what 20-something fashion students are after. The strongest point of the show was the pink, beauty zone. It had a great selection from high end to low end make up, and cosmetics, making there something for everyone. My personal favourite was the Models Own stand and their brilliant offer of 3 items for £10 and a make up bag of goodies. I bought myself some nail varnish and got the goody bag too, which was full of Models Own make up; something i've never tried before, but will give me the opportunity to try and i'll consider reviewing some products on here, if you're interested. You can see my thoughts on the polishes i bought here and here.


The Diet Coke Catwalk held fashion shows throughout the day, of which i caught the New Look show. They showcased a range of looks from office wear to Christmas party looks. There was also a beauty stage, a dance area and the OK Catwalk where i caught the tail end of a Q&A with Jeff Brazier and George Lamb. Talking of celebs, we happen to catch sight of TOWIE's Lauren Goodger walking away from her Lauren's Way stand, practically teetering in her whacking great Louboutin stilletos. What topped her off was the fact she wasn't even acknowledging her fans, but getting her 'people' to tell them she wasn't doing pictures; how incredibly rude! I found it ridiculous that someone so half famous was being so rude to poor influenced girls, without those girls she would be nowhere so i found it a little hard to take.


Where the Clothes Show excelled this year was the fashion show on the main stage, entitled A Night in A Department Store. They had clearly worked hard on the performance, and it really shone threw. They presented everything from Bridal to Hip Hop, with stars BB from E4's Dirty Sexy Things, America and Ireland's Next Top Model Winner Jade Thompson and Kimberly Wyatt from Her Majesty and the Wolves in the show. To kick off there was a little introduction from George Lamb and B&INTM judge Grace Woodward, followed by a performance from X Factor winner Alexandra Burke; what a star studded affair!

I decided to wear something comfortable and pretty, as we had a long way to go and it's always very hot in the NEC.

Playsuit: Topshop | Cardigan: H&M | Necklace: H&M | Tights: Primark | Boots: Missguided (Past Season) | Bag: Primark

It was the right decision as i was comfortable all day!

K|xo

5 December 2011

Red Red Wine & Bronze Rage

Models Own Red Red Wine & Bronze Rage (On index finger)

K|xo

Models Own x 3

On Friday, i attended Clothes Show Live 2011 at the Birmingham NEC. I've attended the event before, but this year i wasn't very impressed. The Clothes Show has always sold tack, but this year it just seemed there was more rubbish than value, but that's for another post!

One stand i was desperate to visit was that of Models Own. On their Facebook and Twitter, they were advertising a one off, amazing offer that they wouldn't even post about; only those at the Clothes Show would know of the bargain. I was lucky enough to attend, and get full use off it.

They were offering three products from their nail polish and make up ranges for £10, and a make up bag full of free goodies. I've always bought Models Own when i could afford it, or when there was a particular colour i was desperate for as at £5 a bottle of polish, it's a little pricier than i would usually pay. But after experience of it's smooth lacquer and quick drying, i know it's worth every penny and that's how i have come to have Models Own Champagne as my signature colour.

This time, i decided to choose something a little different. The three colours i chose were: Red Red Wine, Bronze Rage and Purple Ash.

I saw Bronze Rage the day before the event but wasn't too sure it was very me, so left it but this is a beautiful bronzey, copper colour that has super shimmery sheen. It's fab for both the Autumn and Winter seasons, as it's incredibly versatile.

I also spotted Red Red Wine a day before but decided i didn't need it, so when i had this opportunity i snapped it up! With one coat it almost has a pink tinge, but with two it's a gorgeous deep red colour that look exactly like red wine; perfect for the party season.

Purple Ash looks exactly like my other signature colour, Rimmel's Style Hunter, a gorgeous, what i would describe as, a dirty pink/purple colour. It's not too bright or too dull, but that perfect in between colour so i couldn't help but try the Models Own version.

It was a deal i couldn't pass up on!

K|xo

1 December 2011

Festive OOTD



Dress: H&M | Top: H&M | Cardigan: Topshop | Tights: Primark Super Cosy | Boots: Topshop | Socks: Peacocks | Belt: Vintage | Necklace: Miss Selfridge

I kinda fell in love with my snuggly, festive outfit today! As the first day of December, i decided it was about time to pull out the big cosy knit and wear with full christmasness! I really love the stripes, it seems to bring so much more life to this otherwise plain, summery dress. It was simple, but warm and christmassy; i can feel it in the air!

K|xo

24 Sleeps

With only 24 sleeps to go until the big day, you can definitely feel the festive spirit kicking in but also that panic. Only yesterday, i was wondering through Southampton town centre when i began to pick up on those conversations beginning "well i was thinking they'd like this" and ending with "i'm not so sure" Ahh, how christmas brings out the best in all of us!

The town centres are becoming decked in lights, and christmas markets selling everything from hog roasts to knock price gifts. The online stores are posting free deliveries, money off and Motel are having a flash sale, on until 5pm today, with everything 20% off. Even the blogs are beginning to be adorned with christmas gift guides and the latest decor, it really must be that time of year, but what does Christmas mean to you?

To me it means family, more so than ever this year! Being away from home for three months has been tough, but has made me appreciate them so much more, so i can't wait to get home and begin the christmas festivities! (2 weeks to go!) It also means glittering lights and shimmering tinsel, and just because i'm away from home doesn't mean i can't make my little pad in Southampton christmas worthy!

Christmas Tree: Paperchase | Little Red Jingle Bells (On Tree): Paperchase | Tinsel: Asda | Fairy Lights: Amazon | Advent Calender: Mum! | Cherub Decorations: Asda (I also have glittery red stars and a glittery red reindeer from Asda)

My decs went up at the beginning of this week, as i was ready for christmas even before it was! My theme was classic red and gold, and of course a little green tree (when have you ever seen a gold/red/multicoloured tree!?) So i get a waft of tinsel every time i open my door, which makes me think of home!

Food. Of course, it wouldn't be christmas without the delicious home cooked dinner and nibbles out on the fire place. My parents are the best cooks, so i can't wait to get home and eat some delicious home cooked meals (one thing i really do miss while being at uni!) One thing that really makes me think of christmas at home are orange and passionfruit J20s! So i've bought a few of them, in the plastic bottles, to reward myself with after a hard days work! Delicious.

With the countdown well and truly under way, and the first door of our advent calendars (hopefully) opened, the end is in sight. Happy December!

K|xo
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